As West Nile Case Counts Climb, Aerial Spraying to Continue in Dallas County

As West Nile Case Counts Climb, Aerial Spraying to Continue in Dallas County

News ReleaseAug. 17, 2012

The Texas Department of State Health Services announced today there are 552 state-confirmed cases of West Nile illness in Texas
so far this year, including 21 related deaths.

In addition to aerial spraying efforts in Dallas County, state health officials are urging people to protect themselves by using insect repellent and draining standing water, which can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Aerial spraying for mosquito control is expected to occur again tonight in Dallas County, depending on weather conditions. DSHS continues to work with Dallas County and cities to determine the areas to be covered each night by the four available planes. The next flights will focus on the unsprayed portion of the county north of Interstate 30, including Dallas County cities that cross into Collin County.

Spray areas are established based on city preferences and disease prevalence and will follow a defined grid pattern for flight efficiency. The maps are adjusted depending on areas covered and weather conditions. Each of the four planes can cover up to 64,000 acres a night but may be grounded or delayed due to rain or winds over 10 miles per hour.

The portion of the county south of Interstate 30 excluding the city of Dallas will be evaluated early next week based on input and requests from the cities in that area.

DSHS continues to coordinate with local health officials on mosquito surveillance. Mosquito counts were taken before spraying occurred and post-spray counts will be analyzed in the coming days. A second round of spraying may occur early next week.